Authorities suspend train, flight operations as 'Cyclone Dana' set to make landfall in Odisha

Cyclone Dana is likely to hit the shores of West Bengal and Odisha during the evening of Oct 24 and the morning of Oct 25, as it intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.

In numerous locations, Dana is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with wind speeds of 100 to 110 km/h and gusts of up to 120 km/h. This will affect daily life, particularly train and flight operations.

According to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official, aircraft operations at the Calcutta airport have been suspended for 15 hours starting at 6 pm on Oct 24 due to the effects of Cyclone Dana.

"Dana will hinder the smooth working of Eastern Railway from running 190 local trains in its Sealdah division from 8 pm on Oct 24 until 10 am on Oct 25," said an official.

The authorities have taken these precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers, airline personnel, various equipment, navigational aids, and infrastructure on flights, as well as train passengers.

The suburban train cancellations will cause significant inconveniences for commuters in crucial areas like Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Nadia, and Murshidabad.

Authorities have asked commuters to find alternative routes. The last EMU trains in the Sealdah Division will depart between 6 and 8 pm on Oct 24.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe weather in Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. The cyclone will make landfall close to Dhamra Port in Odisha.

While West Bengal might escape the storm's direct route, areas like East Medinipur and South 24 Parganas are preparing for major effects, with heavy rainfall predicted in Kolkata.

The districts of Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, and Hooghly are also expected to see heavy to extremely severe rainfall, according to the IMD.

There will be exceptionally heavy rains on Oct 24 and 25, which might cause flooding in low-lying areas.

By the evening of Oct 24, winds in coastal districts could exceed 120 km/h, making conditions dangerous for fishermen and those living close to the coast.

Due to hazardous marine conditions along the Odisha-West Bengal coastline, the IMD has recommended fishermen stay out of the water between Oct 23 and Oct 25.

In order to respond to any maritime emergency, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has mobilized ships and planes and is on high alert.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 13 teams throughout South Bengal to manage any cyclone-related emergencies. When called upon, groups are ready to react to relief and rescue operations.

During the cyclone's height, authorities advised the public to stay indoors and follow official advisories.

Authorities encourage people who have to drive to use extra caution, especially due to the possibility of flooding, fallen trees, and blocked roads. Authorities anticipate that areas affected will see power interruptions.